Country Progress Report

Transcription

1 NATIONAL CENTER FOR DESEASE CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH G L O B A L A I D S R E S P O N S E P R O G R E S S R E P O R T GEORGIA Country Progress Report January 2012 December 2013

2 Global AIDS Response Progress Report G E O R G I A Country Progress Report Reporting Period January 2012 December 2013

3 Acknowledgments Global AIDS Response Progress Report of Georgia 2013 (GARPR) is the result of invaluable contributions made by various individuals, organizations, and institutions. We are extremely grateful to representatives of different partner organizations for their significant input to this report. Namely: Nickoloz Chkhartishvili (Infectious Diseases, AIDS &Clinical Immunology Research Center); Mzia Tabatadze (Georgia HIV Prevention Project, USAID); Khatuna Todadze (Center for Mental Health and Prevention of Addiction); Ketevan Stvilia (Global Fund Projects Implementation Unit, NCDC); Ekaterine Ruadze (Global Fund Projects Implementation Unit, NCDC); Ketevan Chkatarashvili (Curatio International Foundation); Nino Tsereteli (Information and Counseling on Reproductive Health Tanadgoma ); Marine Gogia (Georgia Harm Reduction Network); Lela Tavzarashvili (Public Union Bemoni); Natalia Zakareishvili (United Nations Population Fund Georgia); Nino Mamulashvili (World Health Organization Country Office, Georgia); Nino Kochishvili (EU Delegation to Georgia); Maia Kajaia (Health Research Union); Tamar Kheladze (World Vision Georgia); Preparation and finalization of report was relied heavily upon the professional work and contribution of the Working Group members from the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health: Maia Tsereteli, Tsira Merabishvili, Tamar Kikvidze, George Kuchukhidze, Irma Burdjanadze, Nino Baluashvili, Marina Shakhnazarova, David Baliashvili; Ketevan Goginashvili from the Ministry of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs; Nino badridze and Otar Chokoshvili from Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center); We especially acknowledge the leadership and oversight role of NCDC Deputy Directors: Irma Khonelidze and Ekaterine Kavtaradze. And, finally our particular thanks must be extended to Dr. Juliette Morgan (US CDC South Caucasus Office) for devoting considerable time and effort on final editing of the report. Amiran Gamkrelidze Director General National Center for Disease Control and Public Health 2 Georgia Country Progress Report

4 Table of Contents I. Status at a glance... 5 a) The inclusiveness of the stakeholders in the report writing process... 5 b) The status of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Georgia... 5 c) The Policy and Programmatic Response... 6 d) Indicator Data in an overview table... 8 II. Overview of the AIDS epidemic III. National Response to the AIDS Epidemic IV. Best Practices V. Major Challenges and Remedial Actions VI. Support from the Country s Development Partners VII. Monitoring and Evaluation Environment References Reporting Period: January 2012 December

5 Acronyms AIDS AIDS Center ANC ARV/ART Bio-BSS CCM CIF FSWs GARP GEL GHPP GIP GoG GFATM HIV HR IDUs IOM LSBE MARPs MCCU M&E MoES MoC MoLHSA MSM NCDCPH NIS NSPA NCPI OIs OST PLWH PTF SOPs STIs TB UNAIDS UNDP UNICEF VCT WHO Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Infectious Diseases, AIDS & Clinical Immunology Research Center Antenatal Clinics Antiretroviral drugs / Antiretroviral therapy Behavioral Surveillance Surveys with biomarker component Country Coordinating Mechanism Curatio International Foundation Female Sex Workers Global CountryProgress Report Georgian Lari Georgian HIV Prevention Project Global Initiative on Psychiatry Government of Georgia Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Human Immunodeficiency Virus Human Resources Injecting Drug Users International Organization on Migration Life-skills based Education Most-at-risk populations Mother and Child Care Union Monitoring & Evaluation Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia Ministry of Corrections of Georgia Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia Men who have sex with men National Center for Disease Control and Public Health New Independent States National Strategic Plan of Action National Commitments and Policy Instrument Opportunistic infections Opioid Substitution Therapy People living with HIV STI/HIV Prevention Task Force Standard Operating Procedures Sexually Transmitted Infections Tuberculosis Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS United Nations Development Programmed United Nations Children s Fund Voluntary Counseling and Testing World Health Organization 4 Georgia Country Progress Report

6 I. Status at a glance a) The inclusiveness of the stakeholders in the report writing process As per recommendations from the UNAIDS Executive Director, Mr. Michel Sidibe, the Ministry of Labor, Health&Social Affairs of Georgia granted approval for the process to compile the Global AIDS Response Progress Report to meet the submission deadline of the 31 March 2014.The National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDCPH) led the participatory and multi-stakeholder process of compiling the Country Report. In accordance with recommendations from the Guideline on Construction of Core Indicators for Monitoring the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, the Country Progress Report was developed through several national consultation meetings as well as individual meetings with the key stakeholders and desk reviews. Data for specific indicators were reviewed by experts from governmental, nongovernmental, and international organizations. Based on UNAIDS recommendations, data for each national indicator as well as the draft Country Progress Report were shared, discussed and validated among the representatives of the Government of Georgia and other state and non-state actors, both national and international. This Country Progress Report was developed in a participatory manner, with overall coordination from the NCDCPH and Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). All consultations and relevant data collection endeavors have been directly facilitated by the Department of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, STI & Hepatitis of the NCDCPH. National Commitments and Policy Instrument (NCPI) was also developed through participatory meetings of Government and non-state actors separately. After developing a first draft of the NCPI, it was circulated with the wider audience allowing all stakeholders to comment on the draft. All the comments were discussed and incorporated into the final report. A letter from the CCM s Chairperson was circulated among the different stakeholders in order to collect information regarding domestic and international AIDS spending, by categories and financing sources, to complete the National Funding Matrix. b The 2014 Dublin Declaration Questionnaire, elaborated by the European center for Disease Control (ECDC) was also completed by representatives from government agencies who have a solid understanding of the country s HIV response (Part A), and by representatives from civil society who are actively engaged in that response (Part B). 14 DUBLIN DECLARATION QUESTIONNAIRE b) The status of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Georgia Georgia is among low HIV prevalence (0.07%) countries being at high risk for an expanding epidemic due to widespread injecting drug use and the population movement between Georgia and neighboring high HIV prevalence countries such as Ukraine and Russia. The number of People Living With HIV (PLWH) in country was estimated to be 6640 (Spectrum EPP), although 3641 PLWH were officially registered by the end of 2012 and 4131 PLWH - by the end of The first case of HIV infection was detected in From 1989 to 1996 only few cases of HIV infection were registered in the country. Since 1997 the number of newly registered cases started to increase steadily and reached 526 in 2012 and 490 in In the early years of the HIV epidemic in Georgia, as in most Eastern European countries, injecting drug use was the major transmission mode. Since 2010, transmission has shifted toward the heterosexual mode, which became dominant by The percentage of drug use, as a transmission mode among newly registered HIV cases has decreased from 43.2 % in 2012 to 35% in 2013 while heterosexual transmission has increased from 44.8% in 2012 to 49% in 2013 (see Figure 2). Reporting Period: January 2012 December

7 The HIV epidemic is primarily restricted to the most-at-risk populations (MARP) People Who Inject Drugs (PWID),, Men who have sex with Men (MSM), Female Sex Workers (FSWs) and prisoners. The results from the most recent Bio-Behavioral Surveillance (Bio and BSS studies?) 2012 among MSM demonstrated 13% HIV prevalence in Tbilisi. The epidemic among PWID, FSWs and prisoners is of lower magnitude. According to the Bio-BSS studies conducted in 2012 the HIV prevalence among PWID was 3.0% and 1.1% among FSWs in The HIV prevalence among prisoners has decreased from 1.4% in 2008 to 0.3% in All the data on HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behavior, as well as HIV prevalence indicators for MARPs presented in the Bio-BSS reports of 2012, point to the high risk for HIV epidemic expansion among the key populations and from them to the general public. c) The Policy and Programmatic Response The Government of Georgia is strongly committed to HIV/AIDS epidemic prevention and control since 1996 when the first State HIV Prevention Program was developed. Since 2007, in response to the UNAIDS Three Ones principle, the CCM was given the power of Georgia s sole National Coordinating Authority on HIV, TB and Malaria and started operating with full multi-sector mandate. The CCM has been actively coordinating the national response, and includes broad representation from all relevant ministries, government institutions, the UN, civil society organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, as well as organizations representing people living with HIV. In order to enhance representation of the civil sector within the CCM, three community based organizations representing PLWH, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community and drug users were selected as CCM members in The HIV prevention task force (PTF), uniting the NGOs working on HIV, is another effective professional and civil society forum of stakeholders actively involved in HIV policy development and advocacy initiatives in Georgia. In , with technical and financial support from UNAIDS, the new National Strategic Plan of Action (NSPA) was developed through intensive participatory, inclusive and interactive process. Over 50 key national experts, policy makers, civil society and international stakeholders were directly involved in the series of National Consultations and have greatly contributed to the process. The NSPA is aligned to the UNAIDS Outcome Framework (Priority Areas 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, selected on National Consultations in October 2009) and provides ample space for realizing The Three Zeros eliminating HIV/AIDS and achieving HLM 2011 commitments in Georgia. In 2013, with support of UNAIDS, the NSPA financial gap analysis was completed. The funding allocations from the national, and bi and multilateral donor organizations were analyzed for 2011 and The analysis has revealed substantial gaps in NSPA funding and high reliance on the external financial assistance, mainly from GF and USAID. Based on the financial gap analysis and the latest BSS data the CCM plans to conduct the midterm review of the NSPA in It will be aimed at aligning the funding allocations to the interventions targeting the population groups at the higher risk for HIV transmission. The midterm review will allow the country to budget effectively the state HIV programs in coming years, to fill the gap and ensure sustainability of GF program funded interventions starting from 2016 when the GF s support for Georgia will be substantially lower. With the technical support from the UNAIDS country office, the NCDCPH of Georgia has organized a Team of Local Experts (TLE) that worked on the stocktaking exercise and put considerable efforts to make sure that the report is based on the comprehensive review of the evidence from all potential sources. The TLE also provided objective judgment regarding the country s progress towards achieving the Ten Targets of the Political Declaration. The results of the stocktaking were critically analyzed with 6 Georgia Country Progress Report

8 participation of all main stakeholders in order to draw sound recommendations providing the GoG, NCDCPH and other interested parties with solid basis for future informed decisions. The draft summary report of findings and recommendations was elaborated for the identified priority targets and was circulated among the key partners and the working group members during a week and was officially presented at the National Stakeholders Consultation meeting on May 29, The final report was endorsed on May 31, In September, 2013 through transparent competitive process, the NCDCPH was selected as the principal recipient of The Global unds grants in Georgia in both directions: HIV and TB. The phase 2 of current Global Fund s HIV program will be implemented from April 2014 till 31 st of December The NCDCPH being the PR of TGF projects in Georgia as well as the key responsible agency for disease surveillance will be able to better coordinate and consolidate state and donor funds. During transition period the NCDCPH will assist the MoLHSA to prepare the strategy ensuring the successful takeover of the TGF programs by the country in The current GF HIV program provides substantial funding to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, with the goal of reducing transmission of HIV among MARPs and mortality among PLWHIV in Georgia. Reporting Period: January 2012 December

9 d) Indicator Data in an overview table Percentage of young women and men aged who both correctly identify ways of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and who reject major misconceptions about HIV transmission. (percentage of respondents who gave correct answer to all 5 questions) Target 1. Halve sexual transmission of HIV by 2015 Indicator #1.1 Value All Males Females M M F 15- F % 11.23% 9.25% 9.47% 15.65% 6.60% 14.84% BSS among School Pupils and University Students in Tbilisi, Georgia, 2011;The statistical population of the BSS among youth was all students years of age attending public (state) or private: a) secondary schools (9th to 12th grades), b) undergraduates in private or public universities; and c) students in vocationaltechnical training schools in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. A total of 1879 respondents were chosen randomly using probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Survey data were collected through a selfadministered, anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted only in the capital city, and therefore the findings cannot be generalized to youth nationwide. Another limitation of the BSS was that the survey was conducted only among youth who were enrolled or attending either public or private school at the time of the survey. Therefore, youth not enrolled in schools/universities were not included. Question 1: Can the risk of HIV transmission be reduced by having sex with only one uninfected partner who has no other partners? Answered Yes to Question 2: Can a person reduce the risk for getting HIV by using a condom every time they have sex? All Males Females M M F F % 66.30% 67.15% 64.27% 71.37% 62.88% 76.13% All Males Females M M F F % 72.08% 59.15% 72.06% 72.14% 54.45% 69.03% BSS among School Pupils and University Students in Tbilisi, Georgia, 2011;The statistical population of the BSS among youth was all students years of age attending public (state) or private: a) secondary schools (9th to 12th grades), b) undergraduates in private or public universities; and c) students in vocationaltechnical training schools in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. A total of 1879 respondents were chosen randomly using probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Survey data were collected through a selfadministered, anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted only in the capital city, and therefore the findings cannot be generalized to youth nationwide. Another limitation of the BSS was that the survey was conducted only among youth who were enrolled or attending either public or private school at the time of the survey. Therefore, youth not enrolled in schools/universities were not included. BSS among School Pupils and University Students in Tbilisi, Georgia, 2011;The statistical population of the BSS among youth was all students years of age attending public (state) or private: a) secondary schools (9th to 12th grades), b) undergraduates in private or public universities; and c) students in vocational-technical training schools in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. A total of 1879 respondents were chosen randomly using probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Survey data were collected through a selfadministered, anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted only in the capital city, and therefore the findings cannot be generalized to youth nationwide. Another limitation of the BSS was that the survey was conducted only among youth who were enrolled or attending either public or private school at the time of the survey. Therefore, youth not enrolled in schools/universities were not included. 8 Georgia Country Progress Report

10 Answered Yes to Question 3: Can a healthy-looking person have HIV? Correct answer to Question 4: Can a person get HIV from mosquito bites? (Or country specific question.) Correct answer to Question 5: Can a person get HIV from sharing food with someone who is infected? (Or country specific question.) All Males Females M M F F % 47.44% 51.14% 46.26% 50.38% 48.47% 56.77% All Males Females M M F F % 28.35% 25.16% 26.87% 32.06% 22.70% 30.32% All Males Females M M F F % 44.27% 49.17% 41.37% 51.53% 45.40% 57.10% BSS among School Pupils and University Students in Tbilisi, Georgia, 2011;The statistical population of the BSS among youth was all students years of age attending public (state) or private: a) secondary schools (9th to 12th grades), b) undergraduates in private or public universities; and c) students in vocationaltechnical training schools in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. A total of 1879 respondents were chosen randomly using probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Survey data were collected through a selfadministered, anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted only in the capital city, and therefore the findings cannot be generalized to youth nationwide. Another limitation of the BSS was that the survey was conducted only among youth who were enrolled or attending either public or private school at the time of the survey. Therefore, youth not enrolled in schools/universities were not included. BSS among School Pupils and University Students in Tbilisi, Georgia, 2011;The statistical population of the BSS among youth was all students years of age attending public (state) or private: a) secondary schools (9th to 12th grades), b) undergraduates in private or public universities; and c) students in vocationaltechnical training schools in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. A total of 1879 respondents were chosen randomly using probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Survey data were collected through a selfadministered, anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted only in the capital city, and therefore the findings cannot be generalized to youth nationwide. Another limitation of the BSS was that the survey was conducted only among youth who were enrolled or attending either public or private school at the time of the survey. Therefore, youth not enrolled in schools/universities were not included. BSS among School Pupils and University Students in Tbilisi, Georgia, 2011;The statistical population of the BSS among youth was all students years of age attending public (state) or private: a) secondary schools (9th to 12th grades), b) undergraduates in private or public universities; and c) students in vocationaltechnical training schools in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. A total of 1879 respondents were chosen randomly using probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Survey data were collected through a selfadministered, anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted only in the capital city, and therefore the findings cannot be generalized to youth nationwide. Another limitation of the BSS was that the survey was conducted only among youth who were enrolled or attending either public or private school at the time of the survey. Therefore, youth not enrolled in schools/universities were not included. Indicator #1.2 All Males Females M M F F Percentage of young women and men aged who have had sexual intercourse before the age of % 23.34% 0.10% 25.50% 17.94% 0.15% 0.00% BSS among School Pupils and University Students in Tbilisi, Georgia, 2011; The statistical population of the BSS among youth was all students years of age attending public (state) or private: a) secondary schools (9th to 12th grades), b) undergraduates in private or public universities; and c) students in vocationaltechnical training schools in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. A total of 1879 respondents were chosen randomly using probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Survey data were collected through a selfadministered, anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted only in the capital city, and therefore the findings cannot be generalized to youth nationwide. Another limitation of the BSS was that the survey was conducted only among youth who were enrolled or attending either public or private school at the time of the survey. Therefore, youth not enrolled in schools/universities were not included. Reporting Period: January 2012 December

11 Indicator#1.3 Percentage of respondents aged who have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the last 12 months Indicator#1.4 Percentage of women and men aged who had more than one partner in the past 12 months who used a condom during their last sexual intercourse Indicator#1.5 Percentage of women and men aged who received an HIV test in the last 12 months and who know their results All Females Females F F F The data has been taken from the Georgian Reproductive Health survey The survey population included females between the ages 15 and 44 years, Data for males N/A Females F F F % 0.52% 0.35% 0.45% 0.58% All Females 18.18% 18.18% 0% 0% 24.00% All Females The data has been taken from the Georgian Reproductive Health survey The survey population included females between the ages 15 and 44 years, Data for males N/A Females F F F % 6.45% 3.02% 10.65% 6.12% The data has been taken from the Georgian Reproductive Health survey The survey population included females between the ages 15 and 44 years, Data for males N/A Indicator#1.6 All Percentage of young people aged who are living with HIV. Indicator#1.7 Percentage of sex workers who replied Yes to both questions Percentage of sex workers who replied Yes to Question 1, Do you know where you can go if you wish to receive an HIV test? Percentage of sex workers who replied Yes to Question 2 In the last 12 months, have you been given condoms? 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% All FSW FSW HIV routine Surveillance Database < % 32.00% 68.24% 81.43% 56.00% 83.92% 72.14% 48.00% 74.51% Source: BSS among FSWs in Tbilisi, Batumi 2012 y. N=280 (Male Sex Workers N/A) Source: BSS among FSWs in Tbilisi, Batumi 2012 y. N=280 (Male Sex Workers N/A) Source: BSS among FSWs in Tbilisi, Batumi 2012 y. N=280 (Male Sex Workers N/A) Indicator#1.8 All FSW < Percentage of female and male sex workers reporting the use of a condom with their most recent client. Indicator#1.9 Percentage of CSWs who received an HIV test in the last 12 months and who knows their results 91.07% 100% 90.20% All FSW Females Source: BSS among FSWs in Tbilisi, Batumi 2012 y. N=280 (Male Sex Workers N/A) < % 44.00% % Source: BSS among FSWs in Tbilisi, Batumi 2012 y. N=280 (Male Sex Workers N/A) Indicator#1.10 All FSW < Percentage of sex workers who are living with HIV 1.09 % 0.00% 1.19% Source: BSS among FSWs in Tbilisi, Batumi 2012 y. N=280 (Male Sex Workers N/A) Indicator#1.11 All MSM < Percentage of MSM who answered Yes to both questions 48.6 % 33.7 % 57.8 % Bio-behavioral surveillance survey among men who have sex with men in Tbilisi, Georgia (2012) 10 Georgia Country Progress Report

12 Percentage of MSM who answered Yes to Question 1, Do you know where you can go if you wish to receive an HIV test? All MSM < % 69.9% 82.2% All MSM < Bio-behavioral surveillance survey among men who have sex with men in Tbilisi, Georgia (2012) Percentage of MSM who answered Yes to Question 2 In the last 12 months, have you been given condoms? 53.7 % 41% 61.5% Bio-behavioral surveillance survey among men who have sex with men in Tbilisi, Georgia (2012) Indicator# 1.12 All MSM < Percentage of MSM who reported that a condom was used the last time they had anal sex 73.2 % 76.3% 71.3 % Bio-behavioral surveillance survey among men who have sex with men in Tbilisi, Georgia (2012) Indicator# 1.13 All MSM < Percentage of men who have sex with men who received an HIV test in the past 12 months and know their results % % % Bio-behavioral surveillance survey among men who have sex with men in Tbilisi, Georgia (2012) Indicator# 1.14 All MSM < Percentage of men who have sex with men who are living with HIV % 2.99 % % Bio-behavioral surveillance survey among men who have sex with men in Tbilisi, Georgia (2012) Indicator# 1.16 All (15+) Males(15+) Females (15+) Both sexes (15-19) Males (15-19) Females (15-19) Both sexes (20-24) Males (20-24) Females (20-24) Both sexes (25+) Males (25+) Females (25+) Number of people who received HIV testing and counselling in the past 12 months and know their results HIV Routine Surveillance Database Number of pregnant women aged 15 and older (out of the total number above) who received testing and counselling in the past 12 months and received their results Indicator# 1.16EURO Disaggregation by mode of transmission: HIV Testing and counselling Females (15+) Injecting drug users Females (15-19) Females (20-24) Females (25+) Sex between men Heterosexual contact Motherto-child transmission 35% 13% 49% 1% 1% 1% HIV Routine Surveillance Database Other Unknown HIV Routine Surveillance Database Reporting Period: January 2012 December

13 Indicator# % Percentage of health State program and Global Fund facilities dispensing HIV rapid test kits that experienced a stock-out in the last 12 months 0 Indicator# Females Percentage of women accessing antenatal care (ANC) services who were tested for syphilis at first ANC visit Percentage of women accessing antenatal care (ANC) services who were tested for syphilis at any ANC visit 85.5% 85.5 % Statistics Department, National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health Statistics Department, National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health Indicator# Total < Percentage of antenatal care attendees who were Statistics Department, National Centre for Disease Control and positive for syphilis 0.2% N/A N/A Public Health. No data disaggregated by age groups available. Indicator# % Percentage of antenatal care attendees positive for syphilis who received N/A treatment Indicator# % Percentage of sex workers with active syphilis N/A Indicator# % Percentage of men who have sex with men with active syphilis N/A Indicator# Total Females Males Female (primary/ secondary) Number of adult reported with syphilis (primary/ secondary and latent/ unknown) in the past 12 months Male (primary/ secondary) Statistics Department, National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health. Indicator# # Number of reported congenital syphilis cases (live births and stillbirths) N/A in the past 12 months Indicator# Total Number of men reported with gonorrhea in the past 12 months 527 Statistics Department, National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health. Indicator# # Number of men reported with urethral discharge in N/A the past 12 months Indicator# # Number of adults reported with genital ulcer disease in the past 12 months N/A 12 Georgia Country Progress Report

14 Target 2. Reduce transmission of HIV among people who inject drugs by 50 per cent by 2015 Indicator# 2.1 Total Number of needles and syringes distributed per person who injects drugs per year by Needle and Syringe Programs 45.3 The data are aggregated according to databases from each center. Indicator# 2.2 All Males Females < Percentage of people who inject drugs reporting the use of a condom the last time they had sexual intercourse 34.46% 34.48% 33.33% 50.29% 32.59% BSS study N=1791. The PWIDs were studied in six different locations of Georgia: Tbilisi, Gori, Telavi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi and Batumi in Indicator# 2.3 All Males Females < Percentage of people who inject drugs reporting the use of sterile injecting equipment the last time they injected % 83.38% 90.91% 87.71% 83.00% BSS study N=1791. The PWIDs were studied in six different locations of Georgia: Tbilisi, Gori, Telavi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi and Batumi in Indicator# 2.4 All Males Females < Percentage of people who inject drugs who received an HIV test in the past 12 months and know their results 14.68% 14.36% 40.91% 6.70 % % BSS study N=1791. The PWIDs were studied in six different locations of Georgia: Tbilisi, Gori, Telavi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi and Batumi in Indicator# 2.5 All Males Females < Percentage of people who inject drugs who are living with HIV 3.04 % 3.08 % 0.00 % 1.13 % 0.31 % BSS study N=1791. The PWIDs were studied in six different locations of Georgia: Tbilisi, Gori, Telavi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi and Batumi in Indicator# 2.6a # Estimated number of State program and Global Fund opiate users (injectors and non-injectors) N/A Indicator# 2.6b N: Number of people on cumulative number of the patients opioid substitution therapy 4613 on OST treatment during (OST) Indicator# 2.7a N: Number of needle and syringe program (NSP) sites 14 Within GF project in September 2013 here was added 4 service sites - 2 in the capital and 2 in regions, totally 14 harm reduction sites are operating from this period. All service centers provide data in database which is unified for all facilities/ngos working with MARPs. Indicator# 2.7b N: Number of substitution therapy (OST) sites 20 In September 2013 (Within GF project) 4 service sites were add. Reporting Period: January 2012 December

15 Target 3. Eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015 and substantially reduce AIDS-related maternal deaths Indicator# 3.1 % Percentage of HIV-positive pregnant women who received antiretrovirals to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission Numerator: Number of HIV-positive pregnant women who received antiretroviral drugs during the past 12 months to reduce the risk of mother-tochild transmission during pregnancy and delivery Denominator: Estimated number of HIVpositive pregnant women who delivered within the past 12 months % Denominator represents estimate derived from Spectrum. We believe that 55 is an overestimate of actual number given that country ensures universal screening of pregnant women and their linkage to HIV services. In HIV positive women were identified countrywide and all of them received PMTCT services. Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Indicator# 3.1a # Percentage of women living with HIV who are provided with antiretroviral medicines for themselves or their infants during the N/A breastfeeding period Indicator# 3.2 Percentage of infants born to HIV-positive women receiving a virological test for HIV within 2 months of birth Numerator: Number of infants who received an HIV test within two months of birth, during the reporting period. Infants tested should only be counted once Denominator: Number of HIV-positive pregnant women giving birth in the last 12 months Indicator# 3.3 Estimated percentage of child HIV infections from HIV-positive women delivering in the past 12 months Indicator# 3.4 Percentage of pregnant women who were tested for HIV and received their results during pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and during the post-partum period (<72 hours), including those with previously known HIV status Indicator# 3.5 Percentage of pregnant women attending antenatal care whole male partner was tested for HIV in the last 12 months Indicator# 3.6 Percentage of HIV-infected pregnant women assessed for ART eligibity through either clinical staging or CD4 testing % % 86% N/A 68% Numerator: Number of HIV-infected pregnant women assessed for ART eligibility 42 Denominator: Estimated number of HIVinfected pregnant women 62 Denominator represents estimate derived from Spectrum. We believe that 55 is an overestimate of actual number given that country ensures universal screening of pregnant women and their linkage to HIV services. In infants were born to HIV positive women and all of them received virologic test. Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Spectrum EPP. 86% - this figure is just the percentage of pregnant women who were tested for HIV and received their results during the pregnancy at the Antenatal clinics (ANC). (source NCNCPH Department of Statistics) Denominator represents estimate derived from Spectrum. We believe that 62 is an overestimate of actual number given that country ensures universal screening of pregnant women and their linkage to HIV services. In HIV positive women were identified countryode and all of them were assessed for ART eligibility, onlcuding CD4 testing Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System 14 Georgia Country Progress Report

16 Indicator# 3.7 Percentage of infants born to HIV-infected women provided with antiretroviral prophylaxis to reduce the risk of early mother-to-child transmission in the first 6 weeks Numerator: Number of infants born to HIVinfected women who received antiretroviral prophylaxis to reduce early mother-to-child transmission (early postpartum, in the first 6 weeks) 40.3 % Denominator: Estimated number of HIVinfected pregnant women giving birth Denominator represents estimate derived from Spectrum. We believe that 62 is an overestimate of actual number given that country ensures universal screening of pregnant women and their linkage to HIV services. In infants were born to HIV positive women and all of them received prophilcatic ART Numerrator is derived from the national AIDS Health Information System operated by the Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center. Indicator# 3.9 Percentage of infants born to HIV-infected women started on cotrimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis within two months of birth Numerator: Denominator: Indicator# 3.10 Distribution of feeding practices (exclusive breastfeeding, replacement feeding, mixed N/A feeding/other) for infants born to HIVinfected women at DPT3 visit Indicator# 3.11 Number of pregnant women attending ANC at least once during the reporting period Indicator# Percentage of HIV-positive women who had their pregnancy terminated 8.3% Indicator# Percentage of HIV-positive pregnant women who delivered during the reporting year 69% Indicator# Percentage of HIV-positive pregnant women who were injecting drug users 0% Indicator# Percentage of HIV-positive pregnant PWID women who received OST during pregnancy Indicator# Percentage of HIV-positive pregnant PWID women who received ARVs to reduce the of mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy 40.3% Denominator represents estimate derived from Spectrum. We believe that 62 is an overestimate of actual number given that country ensures universal screening of pregnant women and their linkage to HIV services % 0% In infants were born to HIV positive women and all of them received CTX prophilcatxis Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System reports from OST facilities. Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Reporting Period: January 2012 December

17 Target 4. Have 15 million people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment by 2015 Indicator# 4.1 All Male Females Percentage of adults and children currently receiving antiretroviral therapy among all adults and children living with HIV Numerator: Number of adults and children currently receiving antiretroviral therapy in accordance with the nationally approved treatment protocol (or WHO standards) at the end of the reporting period. Denominator: Estimated number of adults and children living with HIV 31.5 % 27.8 % 43.2 % Denominator represents estimate of total number people living with HIV derived from Spectrum, that is why indicator is below 50%. When indicator is clacluated using Spectrum derived estimated number of HIV patients eligible for ART, than indicator value is 80% (2092/2620). When indicator is calculated using number eligible HIV patients among those already diagnosed, the indicator value is greater than 90%of persons (2092/2295) Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System < < Age unknown Percentage of adults and children currently receiving antiretroviral therapy among all adults and children living with HIV 63.4% 31.2% Indicator# 4.2a All Males Females < Percentage of adults and children with HIV known to be on treatment 12 months after initiation treatment among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy 85.5 % 83.1 % 90.6 % 100% 85.3 % Indicator# 4.2b All Males Females < Pregnancy status at start of therapy Breastfeeding ststus at start of therapy Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Percentage of adults and children with HIV still alive and known to be on antiretroviral therapy 24 months after initiating treatment among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy during % 82.1% 82.1% 85.7% 80.9% Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Indicator# 4.2c All Males Females < Pregnancy status at start of therapy Breastfeeding ststus at start of therapy Percentage of adults and children with HIV still alive and known to be on treatment 60 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy (from 2008) 71.3% 66.2% 87.2% 81.8 Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Indicator# 4.2c All 25+ <25 Percentage of injecting drug users with HIV still alive and known to be on treatment 12 months after initiation of antiretroviral therapy 80.1% 80.2% 79.5% Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System 16 Georgia Country Progress Report

18 Indicator# 4.2.1b All Percentage of injecting drug users with HIV still alive and known to be on treatment 24 months after initiation of antiretroviral therapy 79.1% Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Indicator# 4.2.1c All Percentage of injecting drug users with HIV still alive and known to be on treatment 60 months after initiation of antiretroviral therapy 59.4% Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Indicator# 4.3a N Total number of health facilities that offer antiretroviral therapy (ART) 5 Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center Indicator# 4.3b N Health facilities that offer Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology paediatric antiretroviral 5 Research Center. therapy (ART) Indicator# 4.4 Total Percentage of health facilities dispensing ARVs that experienced one or more stock-outs of at least one required ARV drug in the last 12 months. 0% Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center. Indicator# 4.6 All Males Females Sex un < Age un 4.6.a Total number of adults and children enrolled in HIV care at the end of the reporting period 4.6.b Number of adults and children newly enrolled in HIV care during the reporting period Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Indicator# 4.7a All Males Females Sex un < Age un Percentage of people on ART tested for viral load who have a suppressed viral load in the reporting period 81.2% 82.3% 78.9% 73.8% 81.4% Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Indicator# 4.7b All Males Females Sex un < Age un Percentage of people on ART tested for viral load (VL) with VL level 1000 copies/ml after 12 months of therapy 84.3% 85.6% 81.6% % Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, National AIDS Health Information System Reporting Period: January 2012 December

19 Target 5. Reduce tuberculosis deaths in people living with HIV by 50 per cent by 2015 Indicator# 5.1 All Males Females < Percentage of estimated HIVpositive incident TB cases that received treatment for TB and HIV 88 % Indicator# 5.2 All Males Females Sex un < Percentage of adult and children living with HIV newly enrolled in care who are detected hiving active TB disease Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, national electronic database for HIV aids care and support program and Tuberculosis patient registries and WHO TB/HIV estimation Age unknown 7.5% 9.5% 1.8% 0 7.6% 0 Indicator# 5.3 % Percentage of adult and children newly enrolled in HIV care starting isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) 21 % Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center. Indicator# 5.4 Total percentage of adults and children enrolled in HIV care who had TB status assessed and recorded during their last visit 100% Source: Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center Target 7. Critical enablers and synergies with development sectors Indicator# 7.1 Females All HIV + Females HIV- Females Females (15-19) HIV+ Females (15-19) HIV- Females (15-19) Females (20-24) HIV+ Females (20-24) HIV- Females (20-24) Females (25-49) HIV+ Females (25-49) HIV- Females (25-49) Proportion of ever-married or partnered women aged who experienced physical or sexual violence from a male intimate partner in the past 12 months 1.87 % 5.38 % 2.19 % 1.69 % The data has been taken from the Georgian Reproductive Health survey (RHS) Indicator# 8.1 % Percenage of women and men aged who report discriminatory attitudes N/A towards people living with HIV Indicator# 10.1 % Current scool attence among orphans and non-orphans (10-14 years old, primary school age, secondary school age) N/A Indicator# 10.2 % Proportion of the poorest househlods who received external economic support in the last 3 months N/A 18 Georgia Country Progress Report

20 II. Overview of the AIDS epidemic The first case of HIV in Georgia was detected in Thereafter the number of annually detected cases has been relatively small. Georgia is one of those very few countries in the world and in the region where the HIV incidence has been increasing steadily during the last decade. Figure 1: HIV/AIDS prevalence and incidence rates (per ) prevalence incidence Despite a relatively low prevalence rate, the HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a significant public health concern in Georgia. There were 4131 HIV/AIDS registered cases in the country by the end of The HIV epidemic is largely concentrated among males and high-risk groups such as IDUs, MSM and FSW. HIV estimated prevalence ranges from 0,4 to 9,1% among IDUs, and 0,8%-1,3% among FSWs depending on locality. HIV prevalence increase has shown steady and alarming trend among MSM in Tbilisi (the capital city), from 7% in 2010 to 13% in HIV prevalence among pregnant women and blood donors is lower (0.04% in both sub-populations) than in general population (0.07% in 2013). The epidemiological distribution of the disease by gender and age indicates more cases among the age groups. The biggest difference between the number of infected men and women was also detected in this age group (25+), while the gender difference is minimal among the year olds. In previous years, the proportions of male and female HIV+ cases were 75% and 25% respectively. In 2011, the proportion was changed, with males accounting for 70% of cases and females for 30%. This shift would be explained by the spread of HIV among sexual partners of IDUs. The trend is still maintained in last two years. Georgia is facing critical challenges such as drug abuse and related health and social consequences. Similar to the most Eastern European countries, injecting drug use was the major transmission mode in the early years of the HIV epidemic in Georgia. Since 2009, transmission has shifted toward the heterosexual mode (Figure 2.) which became dominant by 2011 and the trend escalated in Reporting Period: January 2012 December

21 Figure 2: Percentage mode of HIV transmission by year 70 % Injecting Drug Use Heterosexual Contacts Homosexual Contacts Blood Transfussion Mother-to-Child Transmission Unknown Over the past few years, Georgian government, together with international donor organizations, has been strengthening HIV surveillance and preventive efforts among high-risk groups. Secondgeneration surveillance among MARPs was initiated in Since then, several rounds of Bio-BSS Surveys have been conducted to measure prevalence of HIV among IDUs and provide measurements of key HIV risk behaviors. According to the last BSS conducted in 2012 among IDUs, in six major cities of Georgia (Tbilisi, Gori, Telavi, Zugdidi, Batumi and Kutiasi) prevalence rates from Batumi and Zugdidi show that the HIV epidemic has reached a concentrated epidemic level. HIV prevalence ranges from the lowest 0.4% in Telavi to the highest 9.1% in Zugdidi. According to the national HIV surveillance system 9.3% in 2012 and 13% in 2013 of all new HIV cases were attributed to the homosexual route of transmission. The findings of the last Bio-BSS conducted in 2012 among MSM in Tbilisi showed the substantial increase in HIV prevalence within the last two years. The most alarming finding of this study is increase in HIV prevalence from 7% in 2010 to 13% in 2012 proving that HIV epidemic is concentrated among this group of population. High risk practices have not changed over the last two years. There is high sexual activity among MSMs, with risky sexual practices such as frequent change of partners of both sexes, insufficient use of condoms and involvement in group sexual practices. This raises concerns about the bridging role of MSMs in HIV transmission to general population. As for rates of HIV infection among FSW, these have remained low during the last ten years. According to the recent Bio-BSS among FSWs conducted in 2012 in two cities of Georgia (Tbilisi and Batumi) safe sexual practices are widespread among FSWs. However, condom use rates have slightly decreased with different kinds of partners since 2008, when the previous BSS was conducted. Worsened behavior trend among FSWs (decrease in consistent condom use with the clients in Batumi), indicates the need of continuous provision of prevention information and condoms (especially to the newcomers to Batumi sex business). Prisons are considered as endemic areas for diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV infection, hepatitis B and C. According to various data, risk behaviors such as sharing syringes, needles and other injecting equipment are widespread in prisons. HIV prevalence in prisons in Georgia is 0.35% based on the 20 Georgia Country Progress Report

22 results of Bio-BSS among prisoners conducted in Explanation of such low prevalence of HIV among prisoners could be found in practical elimination of all HIV-related risk behaviors during the last 3-4 years inside the penitentiary system of Georgia. The increased control of the environment prevented drug and alcohol use, sexual intercourses, and other risky practices, such as tattooing. This is very positive achievement of the system. In Georgia routine surveillance of pregnant women serves two purposes: 1) to improve early detection of HIV infection among pregnant women and hence prevent mother-to-child transmission risk 2) as a proxy-indicator of HIV prevalence in the general population as HIV prevalence among pregnant women generally is the best available estimate of this. ; Since 2005 Georgia continues to provide universal access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services, including universal screening of pregnant women for HIV, use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) among HIV positive mothers and their newborns. In 2013, 51,180 pregnant women underwent HIV testing, and among them 22 HIV+ cases were found. 4 pregnant women were <24 years of age and 18 were 24. In 2013, HIV testing coverage among pregnant women was 86%. According to the data of last years, coverage of pregnant women by HIV testing is increasing (fig.3). Figure.3. HIV-testing coverage in pregnant women by years 87% 86% 85% 84% 83% HIV-testing coverage in pregnant women by years (%) 82% 81% coverage(%) 80% 79% 78% In 2013, a total 42 HIV positive pregnant women were in need of ARVs for PMTCT and all of them received the prophylactic treatment. The successful collaboration of HIV and TB services continue as evidenced by the indicator on comanagement of tuberculosis and HIV treatment, with 86% of estimated number of co-infected patients receiving both, TB and HIV treatment. HIV prevalence among TB-patients has slightly increased last years and ranges 3-4%. Since 2004, through support from the GFATM country has ensured universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART for all patients in need. It should be mentioned that Georgia remains the only country in the Eastern European region that achieved and maintained universal access to this lifesaving therapy. Georgia is keeping pace with evolving international guidance on ART. At the end of 2013 the country adopted new treatment initiation criteria of CD4 count 500 cells/mm3 recommended by 2013 WHO guidelines. Earlier treatment initiation is expected to further improve survival in the country and also to contribute towards prevention of HIV transmission. At the end of 2013 a total 2092 persons living with HIV were on ART, representing >90% coverage among those who are diagnosed and eligible for treatment. Reporting Period: January 2012 December